Wedge type golf club tri-level sole configuration

Abstract

An iron type golf club head including a bottom sole having a first level support surface at a first angle relative to the ball striking face, a second level support surface at a second angle relative to the ball striking face, and a third level support surface offset laterally from the first and second levels at a third angle relative to the ball striking face.

We claim: 
     
       1. An iron type golf club including a heel, toe, ball striking face, a rear surface and a bottom sole extending between said heel and said toe; said bottom sole comprising: a leading edge at the interface of said ball striking face and said bottom sole; a trailing edge at the interface of said rear surface and said bottom sole; a midline extending in a heel to toe direction on said bottom sole; said bottom sole having a first support surface, a second support surface and a third support surface; said first support surface located between said leading edge and said midline at a first angle with respect to said ball striking face; said second support surface located between said midline and said trailing edge at a second angle with respect to said ball striking face; said second angle being greater than said first angle; and a third support surface located adjacent said heel at a third angle with respect to said ball striking face; said third angle being greater than said second angle.   
     
     
       2. The golf club head of claim 1 wherein said first and said second support surfaces are generally rectangular in shape and extend between said heel and said toe; and said third surface is generally triangular in shape. 
     
     
       3. The golf club head of claim 2 wherein said triangular third surface includes legs and a base; one leg extending along said trailing edge to an apex approximately one third the distance toward said toe; a second leg extending from said apex to a point where the midline intersects the heel; and, a base between said legs extending across said heel. 
     
     
       4. An iron type golf club head including a shaft connection and a club head body; said body having a heel section, a toe section, a ball striking face, a leading edge, a trailing edge and a rear surface wherein the improvement comprises: a bottom sole having a first level support surface at a first angle relative to said ball striking face, a second level support surface at a second angle, greater than said first angle, relative to said ball striking face, and a third level support surface offset laterally from said first and said second levels at a third angle, greater than said second angle, relative to said ball striking face; said first level located between said leading edge and a midline on said bottom sole; said second level located between said trailing edge and said midline on said bottom sole; and said third level located at said heel section.